Question WDTV Live Streaming Gen 3 Model WDBHG70000NBK

[xoraxora]

I just bought the thing and looking forward to install WDLXTV on it. Bummer.
I had the original WDTV and was very happy with LX.
And I thought, wow, Western Digital went open source, WDLXTV must be on another plane of consciousness by now.
What's the WDTV Live SMP GPL code download on WDC.com then. Its substantial: 760MB.

[RMerlin]

I just bought the thing and looking forward to install WDLXTV on it. Bummer.
I had the original WDTV and was very happy with LX.
And I thought, wow, Western Digital went open source, WDLXTV must be on another plane of consciousness by now.
What's the WDTV Live SMP GPL code download on WDC.com then. Its substantial: 760MB.

It only contains the source code and build environment to the GPL components which WD are legally bound to provide. They provide binary-only versions of their proprietary code (which includes the main exe that handles everything related to playback and OSD), and to make things even worse they now strip down features from them, making it worthless.

The archive is so large because it includes a pre-compiled version of the firmware.

[xoraxora]

Yeah, I was hoping this was not the case, and that you somehow missed it, lol.
Seriously now, I am considering returning my box and getting the older PLUS version. I really like WDLXTV that much. Its a great effort you put into this project and I really appreciate it.

[mad_ady]

Then you should return your unit, just to send WD a message. I'm not sure if they have a dedicated suggestion box online, but you can also leave them a message about it in their official forums http://community.wdc.com/

... But I fear it will do little to change things.

[RMerlin]

Then you should return your unit, just to send WD a message. I'm not sure if they have a dedicated suggestion box online, but you can also leave them a message about it in their official forums http://community.wdc.com/

... But I fear it will do little to change things.

But at least when they look at their sales figures and start drawing nice piecharts for their bosses (they ALL love piecharts, no matter how meaningless they are), they will have a reason to explain why every new WDTV device they release sells LESS than the previous one...

So yes, anyone returning their WDTV Live Streaming, make sure to send a polite Email to WD explaining to them why you decided to do so.

[xoraxora]

I returned it.
Even though I liked it and it has many features that made me get LX because the 1st gen WDTV lacked them.
But I did it as a matter of principle. Modding their OS does not affect sales (on the contrary), its certainly not illegal, and when buying any hardware I should not be forced to use a certain software, now that would be illegal.
Oh and I let them know why I returned it.

[mad_ady]

Good to hear that. So, did you get a Plus instead?

[winstonl]

I had NO idea that this unit was so locked down in fact I think WD's naming convention makes it very difficult, probably intentionally, to distinguish between them. Anyway, I'm returning mine to Best Buy

[dcoun]

Can we switch to something like this?
http://www.raspberrypi.org/

[Just-A-Nick]

Can we switch to something like this?
http://www.raspberrypi.org/

This is already beeing discussed. Search the forum for raspberrypi => http://forum.wdlxtv.com/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=5247&p=43309
In general, searching before posting is not the worst idea